JP2010028857A - Program guide display device, program guide display method, and broadcast receiver - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a program guide display device, a program guide display method, and a broadcast receiver, which allow program display to be easily recognized by a user by regulating the contents of an electronic program guide (EPG), which is displayed based on a display request, according to a currently selected channel or a predetermined display format having been set regardless of programs. <P>SOLUTION: The EPG is created which includes a first key (red color key 17m) for switching an EPG to display of a portion corresponding to predetermined date and time and a second key (blur color key 17m) for returning the EPG to display of a portion corresponding to present date and time. When display of the EPG is requested, a plurality of broadcast stations arrayed along the a channel axis are disposed while defining a broadcast station having a smallest entrepreneur identification number among reception enabled broadcast stations as an origin and when the first and second keys (red and blue color keys 17m) are operated, a function to be achieved is displayed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a program guide display device, a program guide display method, and a broadcast receiver suitable for use in, for example, a digital television broadcast receiver.

  As is well known, in recent years, digitization of television broadcasting has been promoted. For example, in Japan, not only satellite digital broadcasting such as BS (broadcasting satellite) digital broadcasting and 110-degree CS (communication satellite) digital broadcasting but also terrestrial digital broadcasting has been started.

  A digital television broadcast receiving apparatus that receives such a digital television broadcast creates an electronic program guide based on EPG (electronic program guide) information acquired from the broadcast signal, and displays the video on the screen. As a result, the user can select a desired program from the electronic program guide displayed as a video, and perform viewing or recording reservation.

  By the way, at present, in digital television broadcasting, EPG information includes information capable of creating an electronic program guide for one week ahead for each of a number of broadcast channels. In the case of radio broadcasting, the EPG information includes information capable of creating an electronic program guide for up to three days ahead for each broadcast channel.

  For this reason, the digital television broadcast receiver cannot display all the electronic program guides simultaneously on a limited screen, so that the electronic program guide is displayed while being partially switched on the screen. In this case, the user displays a desired portion of the electronic program guide by performing a scroll operation, a page switching operation, or the like on the screen.

  Here, in this type of digital television broadcast receiver, the electronic program guide is displayed based on a user's display request operation. At present, when an electronic program guide display request operation is performed, the contents of the electronic program guide displayed are based on the currently selected channel or program.

  For example, a display form in which the currently selected channel is arranged in the center portion of the screen, a display form in which the currently viewed program is arranged at a preset position on the electronic program guide, and the like are employed. In either case, the situation is not universal in that it is a program table display form that is easy to see and understand for the user.

  In Patent Document 1, a list is provided by simultaneously displaying a plurality of channels on a program table, and a program column of a normal newspaper is viewed by aligning the program times of the displayed channels. There has been disclosed a program guide display device which realizes an interval and can improve visibility.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 7-193762

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and the contents of the electronic program guide displayed based on the display request are displayed in a predetermined manner irrespective of the currently selected channel or program. It is an object of the present invention to provide a program guide display device, a program guide display method, and a broadcast receiving device that are capable of displaying a program that is easy to understand for a user.

  The program guide display device according to the present invention has an acquisition means for acquiring program information including an operator identification number from a broadcast signal; and a plurality of broadcast stations are arranged in one direction based on the program information acquired by the acquisition means. Creating means for creating an electronic program guide having a channel axis and a time axis arranged in a direction orthogonal to the channel axis and having a region indicated by the channel axis and the time axis as a corresponding program information display region; A program guide key for requesting to display the electronic program guide while the currently selected channel or program is being displayed, a page switching key for skipping the displayed electronic program guide by one screen unit, and the displayed electronic program A first key for switching the table to display of a portion corresponding to a predetermined date and time, and a second key for returning the electronic program guide on which the portion corresponding to the predetermined date and time is displayed to the display of the portion corresponding to the current date and time A remote controller including a remote controller including a remote controller including a remote controller including a remote controller including a remote controller including a remote controller including: Regardless of the channel or program being operated, the broadcasting station with the smallest operator identification number among the receivable broadcasting stations is arranged in the order based on the operator identification number included in the program information. An electronic program guide that displays functions realized when the first and second keys are operated is created.

  The program guide display method according to the present invention includes an acquisition step of acquiring program information including an operator identification number from a broadcast signal; and a plurality of broadcast stations are unidirectionally based on the program information acquired in the acquisition step. A creation step of creating an electronic program guide having an arranged channel axis and a time axis arranged in a direction orthogonal to the channel axis, wherein the area indicated by the channel axis and the time axis is a display area for the corresponding program information A step of displaying an electronic program guide while a currently selected channel or program is being displayed by operating a program guide key of the remote controller; and an electronic display displayed by operating a page switching key of the remote controller. A step of skipping the program guide in units of one screen; by operating the first key of the remote controller, the displayed electronic program guide is set to a predetermined date and time. A step of switching to the display of the displayed part; and a step of operating the second key of the remote controller to return the electronic program guide on which the part corresponding to the predetermined date and time is displayed to the display of the part corresponding to the current date and time When a request to display the electronic program guide is made by the program guide key, the creation process includes a plurality of broadcasting stations arranged along the channel axis regardless of the currently selected channel or program. In addition, in the order based on the carrier identification number included in the program information, the broadcasting station with the smallest carrier identification number among the receivable broadcasting stations is arranged as a starting point, and the first and second keys are operated. An electronic program guide displaying functions realized when the program is executed is created.

  The broadcast receiving apparatus according to the present invention further includes: a receiving means for receiving a broadcast signal; and a video signal is generated by extracting a signal of a desired channel from the broadcast signal received by the receiving means and performing predetermined signal processing. Signal processing means; output means for outputting a video signal obtained by the signal processing means; acquisition means for obtaining program information including a provider identification number from the broadcast signal; and based on the program information obtained by the obtaining means A channel axis in which a plurality of broadcasting stations are arranged in one direction, and a time axis arranged in a direction orthogonal to the channel axis, and a program information display area corresponding to an area indicated by the channel axis and the time axis; Creating means for creating an electronic program guide, a program guide key for making a request to display the electronic program guide while the currently selected channel or program is being displayed, and one screen of the displayed electronic program guide A page switching key for skipping at a position, a first key for switching the displayed electronic program guide to display of a portion corresponding to a predetermined date and time, and an electronic program guide on which a portion corresponding to the predetermined date and time is displayed. A remote controller including a second key for returning to the display of the part corresponding to the date and time; when a request to display the electronic program guide is made by operating the program guide key, the creating means follows the channel axis Regardless of the currently selected channel or program, the broadcaster identification numbers of the broadcast stations that can be received are arranged in the order based on the broadcaster identification number included in the program information. An electronic program guide that displays functions that are realized when the first and second keys are operated is created while the smallest broadcasting station is set as the starting point.

  According to the above-mentioned invention, the program guide key for requesting the remote controller to display the electronic program guide while the currently selected channel or program is displayed, and the displayed electronic program guide are skipped in units of one screen. A page switching key to be displayed, a first key for switching the displayed electronic program guide to display a portion corresponding to a predetermined date and time, and an electronic program guide displaying a portion corresponding to the predetermined date and time to the current date and time A second key for returning to the display of the corresponding portion, and when a request to display the electronic program guide is made, a plurality of broadcasting stations arranged along the channel axis are Regardless of the program, in the order based on the carrier identification number included in the program information, the broadcasting station with the smallest carrier identification number among the receivable broadcasting stations is arranged as the starting point, and Because key and the second key is to create an electronic program guide that displays functions realized when operated, it is possible to perform intelligible program display for the user.

The figure showing an embodiment of this invention, and is a figure shown in order to explain roughly an example of a digital television broadcast receiving device and a network system constituted centering on it. The block block diagram shown in order to demonstrate the main signal processing systems of the digital television broadcast receiver in the embodiment. The external view shown in order to demonstrate the remote controller of the digital television broadcast receiver in the embodiment. The figure shown in order to demonstrate an example of the display form of the electronic program guide displayed with the digital television broadcast receiver in the embodiment. The figure shown in order to demonstrate the other example of the display form of the electronic program guide displayed with the digital television broadcast receiver in the embodiment. The figure shown in order to demonstrate the further another example of the display form of the electronic program guide displayed with the digital television broadcast receiver in the embodiment. The figure shown in order to demonstrate the further another example of the display form of the electronic program guide displayed with the digital television broadcast receiver in the embodiment. The flowchart shown in order to demonstrate the processing operation which produces the electronic program guide performed with the digital television broadcast receiver in the embodiment. The figure shown in order to demonstrate an example of the display form selection screen displayed with the digital television broadcast receiver in the embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 schematically shows an appearance of a digital television broadcast receiving apparatus 11 described in this embodiment and an example of a network system configured around the digital television broadcast receiving apparatus 11.

  That is, the digital television broadcast receiver 11 is mainly composed of a thin cabinet 12 and a support base 13 that supports the cabinet 12 upright. In the cabinet 12, for example, a video display 14 that is a flat panel display provided with a liquid crystal display panel or the like, a pair of speakers 15, an operation unit 16, and a light receiving unit 18 that receives operation information transmitted from the remote controller 17. Etc. are installed.

  In addition, for example, a first memory card 19 such as an SD (secure digital) memory card, an MMC (multimedia card), and a memory stick can be attached to and detached from the digital television broadcast receiver 11. Information such as programs and photographs is recorded on and reproduced from the memory card 19.

  Further, for example, a second memory card [IC (integrated circuit) card] 20 in which contract information and the like are recorded is detachable from the digital television broadcast receiver 11. Then, contract information is reproduced for the second memory card 20.

  The digital television broadcast receiver 11 includes a first LAN (local area network) terminal 21, a second LAN terminal 22, a USB (universal serial bus) terminal 23, and an IEEE (institute of electrical and electronics engineers) 1394. A terminal 24 is provided.

  Among these, the first LAN terminal 21 is used as a LAN-compatible HDD dedicated port, and is connected to a LAN-compatible HDD (hard disk drive) 25 which is a NAS (network attached storage) by Ethernet ( (Registered trademark) is used for recording and reproducing information.

  In this way, by providing the first LAN terminal 21 as a LAN-compatible HDD dedicated port, program information can be recorded on the HDD 25 with high-definition image quality without being affected by other network environments or network usage conditions. It becomes possible to carry out stably.

  The second LAN terminal 22 is used as a general LAN-compatible port using Ethernet (registered trademark). For example, the LAN-compatible HDD 27, PC (personal computer) 28, It is used to connect devices such as a DVD (digital versatile disk) recorder 29 with a built-in HDD having a digital broadcast receiving function, and to perform information transmission with these devices.

  As for the DVD recorder 29, since the digital information communicated via the second LAN terminal 22 is information only for the control system, analog video and audio information is exchanged with the digital television broadcast receiver 11. In order to transmit, it is necessary to provide a dedicated analog transmission line 30.

  Further, the second LAN terminal 22 can be connected to a network 32 such as the Internet via a broadband router 31 connected to the hub 26, and various kinds of devices such as a PC 33 and a mobile phone 34 are connected via the network 32. Used for information transmission with information terminals.

  The USB terminal 23 is used as a general USB compatible port. For example, a mobile phone 36, a digital camera 37, a card reader / writer 38 for a memory card, an HDD 39, a keyboard 40, etc. via a hub 35. USB devices are connected to each other and used for information transmission with these USB devices.

  Further, the IEEE 1394 terminal 24 serially connects, for example, AV (audio video) -HDD 41 and D (digital) -VHS (video home system) 42 each having a digital broadcast receiving function, and transmits information to and from these devices. Used to do.

  FIG. 2 shows a main signal processing system of the digital television broadcast receiver 11 described above. That is, the satellite digital broadcast signal received by the BS / CS digital broadcast receiving antenna 43 is supplied to the satellite digital broadcast tuner 45 via the input terminal 44, so that the broadcast signal of the desired channel is selected. Is done.

  The broadcast signal selected by the tuner 45 is supplied to a PSK (phase shift keying) demodulator 46 to demodulate a TS (transport stream). This TS is supplied to the TS decoder 47, decoded into a digital video signal, audio signal, and the like, and then output to the signal processing unit 48.

  The terrestrial digital television broadcast signal received by the terrestrial broadcast receiving antenna 49 is supplied to the digital terrestrial broadcast tuner 51 via the input terminal 50, so that the broadcast signal of the desired channel is selected. Is done.

  The broadcast signal selected by the tuner 51 is supplied to an OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) demodulator 52 to demodulate the TS. The TS is supplied to the TS decoder 53, decoded into a digital video signal and audio signal, and then output to the signal processing unit 48.

  The terrestrial analog television broadcast signal received by the terrestrial broadcast receiving antenna 49 is supplied to the terrestrial analog broadcast tuner 54 via the input terminal 50, so that the broadcast signal of the desired channel is selected. Bureau. The broadcast signal selected by the tuner 54 is supplied to the analog demodulator 55, demodulated into an analog video signal and audio signal, and then output to the signal processing unit 48.

  Here, the signal processing unit 48 selectively performs predetermined digital signal processing on the digital video signal and audio signal supplied from the TS decoders 47 and 53, respectively, and the graphic processing unit 56 and audio processing are performed. This is output to the unit 57.

  The signal processing unit 48 is connected to a plurality (four in the illustrated case) of input terminals 58a, 58b, 58c, and 58d. These input terminals 58a to 58d can input analog video signals and audio signals from the outside of the digital television broadcast receiver 11, respectively.

  The signal processing unit 48 selectively digitizes the analog video signal and audio signal supplied from the analog demodulator 55 and the input terminals 58a to 58d, respectively, and the digitized video signal and audio signal. Are subjected to predetermined digital signal processing and then output to the graphic processing unit 56 and the audio processing unit 57.

  Among these, the graphic processing unit 56 has a function of superimposing and outputting the OSD signal generated by the OSD (on screen display) signal generation unit 59 on the digital video signal supplied from the signal processing unit 48. Further, the graphic processing unit 56 selectively outputs the output video signal of the signal processing unit 48 and the output OSD signal of the OSD signal generation unit 59, and both outputs constitute half of the screen. Can be output in combination.

  The digital video signal output from the graphic processing unit 56 is supplied to the video processing unit 60. The video processing unit 60 converts the input digital video signal into an analog video signal in a format that can be displayed on the video display 14 and then outputs the analog video signal to the video display 14 to display the video. Derived outside through 61.

  The audio processing unit 57 converts the input digital audio signal into an analog audio signal in a format that can be reproduced by the speaker 15 and then outputs the analog audio signal to the speaker 15 for audio reproduction, and an output terminal 62 is provided. Through the outside.

  Here, in the digital television broadcast receiving apparatus 11, all operations including the above-described various reception operations are comprehensively controlled by the control unit 63. The control unit 63 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 63a and receives operation information from the operation unit 16 or receives operation information sent from the remote controller 17 and received by the light receiving unit 18. Each unit is controlled so that the operation content is reflected.

  In this case, the control unit 63 mainly includes a read only memory (ROM) 63b that stores a control program executed by the CPU 63a, a random access memory (RAM) 63c that provides a work area for the CPU 63a, and various setting information. And a nonvolatile memory 63d in which control information and the like are stored.

  The control unit 63 is connected via a card I / F (interface) 64 to a card holder 65 in which the first memory card 19 can be mounted. Thereby, the control unit 63 can perform information transmission via the card I / F 64 with the first memory card 19 mounted in the card holder 65.

  Further, the control unit 63 is connected to a card holder 67 into which the second memory card 20 can be mounted via a card I / F 66. Accordingly, the control unit 63 can perform information transmission via the card I / F 66 with the second memory card 20 mounted on the card holder 67.

  The control unit 63 is connected to the first LAN terminal 21 via the communication I / F 68. Accordingly, the control unit 63 can perform information transmission via the communication I / F 68 with the LAN-compatible HDD 25 connected to the first LAN terminal 21. In this case, the control unit 63 has a DHCP (dynamic host configuration protocol) server function, and assigns and controls an IP (internet protocol) address to the LAN-compatible HDD 25 connected to the first LAN terminal 21.

  Further, the control unit 63 is connected to the second LAN terminal 22 via the communication I / F 69. Thereby, the control unit 63 can perform information transmission with each device (see FIG. 1) connected to the second LAN terminal 22 via the communication I / F 69.

  The control unit 63 is connected to the USB terminal 23 via the USB I / F 70. Accordingly, the control unit 63 can perform information transmission with each device (see FIG. 1) connected to the USB terminal 23 via the USB I / F 70.

  Further, the control unit 63 is connected to the IEEE 1394 terminal 24 via the IEEE 1394 I / F 71. Thereby, the control part 63 can perform information transmission via each apparatus (refer FIG. 1) connected to the IEEE1394 terminal 24 via IEEE1394 I / F71.

  The control unit 63 includes a program guide creation control unit 63e. The program guide creation control unit 63e creates an electronic program guide to be displayed on the video display device 14, as will be described in detail later. In particular, the contents of the electronic program guide displayed based on the display request are Regardless of the currently selected channel or program, it has a function that defines a predetermined display format set in advance, and can display a program that is easy for the user to understand.

  FIG. 3 shows the appearance of the remote controller 17. The remote controller 17 mainly includes a power key 17a, an input switching key 17b, a direct channel selection key 17c for a satellite digital broadcast channel, a direct channel selection key 17d for a terrestrial broadcast channel, a quick key 17e, a cursor key 17f, and an enter key. 17g, program guide key 17h, page switching key 17i, face net (navigation) key 17j, back key 17k, end key 17l, blue, red, green, yellow color key 17m, channel up / down key 17n, volume adjustment key 17o Menu key 17p and the like are provided.

  In the digital television broadcast receiver 11, the user operates the program guide key 17h of the remote controller 17 to display the electronic program guide created by the program guide creation control unit 63e on the video display 14. Can do. The electronic program guide is created based on EPG information that is program information acquired in advance via a broadcast signal, a network, or the like.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the display form of the electronic program guide displayed on the video display 14 when the user operates the program guide key 17 h of the remote controller 17. In this electronic program guide, the horizontal direction is a channel axis in which a plurality of broadcast stations (channels in the figure) are arranged, and the vertical direction corresponds to a time range of several hours (in the figure, 5 hours). The program is displayed on the time axis.

  That is, the electronic program guide has a plurality of (six in the illustrated example) channel display frames 721 to display a broadcast station (broadcaster) name and its channel number in the channel axis direction. 726 is arranged. In FIG. 4, each of the channel display frames 721 to 726 has a broadcasting station (broadcasting company) A, B, C, D, E, F and its channel number 011, 021,041, from left to right in the figure. 051,061,071 are displayed correspondingly.

  In addition, this electronic program guide has a plurality (for 5 hours in the case of illustration) for displaying unit times (1 hour in the case of illustration) continuous in time series in the time axis direction. Time frames 731 to 735 are arranged. In FIG. 4, for each time frame 731 to 735, from the top to the bottom of the figure, 5 hours indicating 6am, 7am, 8am, 9am, 10am Is displayed.

  And various programs A1 to A6, B1 to B5, C1 to C5, D1 to D5, E1 to E5, and F1 to F5 that are scheduled to be broadcast by each broadcasting station A, B, C, D, E, and F. Information is displayed in the corresponding areas designated by the channel display frames 721 to 726 and the time frames 731 to 735, respectively.

  Also, in this electronic program guide, in the upper part of the figure, a display of “terrestrial D TV” indicating that the type of broadcast currently being received is terrestrial digital television broadcast, and the current date and time is October 28th. “Current date and time 10/28 (Sat.) AM 6:13” indicating that it is 6:13 am on Saturday, and display indicating the range of days (day of the week) of the electronic program guide that can be displayed are performed. It has become.

  That is, since the current date and time of the electronic program guide is 6:13 am on Saturday, October 28, November, which is one week after 6:00 am on Saturday, October 28 Minutes up to 5am on the 4th (Saturday) (less than 6am) are created. The range of the day (day of the week) of the electronic program guide that can be displayed is the day (day of the week) up to one week ahead including the current day (day of the week), that is, 10/28 (Saturday), 29 (Sunday), 30 days (Monday), 31 (Tuesday), 11/1 (Wednesday), 2 (Thursday), 3 (Friday), and 4 (Saturday) are displayed in sequence. In this case, the character [10/28 (Saturday)] indicating the day (day of the week) in the electronic program guide currently displayed is displayed in an enlarged manner than the characters indicating the other day (day of the week). .

  Also, in this electronic program guide, at the bottom of the figure, the broadcast type (terrestrial D) and channel number (041ch) for the program C1 currently selected (indicated by the cursor on the electronic program guide) , The program name (C1), the broadcast time (AM6: 0 to AM7: 30), and the like are displayed. In this case, the currently selected program C1 is indicated by the cursor so that the display area in the electronic program guide is displayed in a different color from the display area of other programs. In FIG. 4, it is expressed by surrounding with hatching.

  Further, in the electronic program guide, the color key 17m of the color corresponding to each color (blue, red, green, yellow) of the color key 17m of the remote controller 17 is operated at the lower part of the figure. The functions that are sometimes realized are displayed.

  The electronic program guide can be selectively scrolled in the vertical and horizontal directions by operating the cursor key 17f of the remote controller 17. Further, if the page switching key 17i of the remote controller 17 is operated, the electronic program guide can be selectively skipped in the vertical and horizontal directions in units of one screen.

  In this case, when scrolling or skipping is performed in the time axis direction, the time displayed in each time frame 731 to 735 and the program information corresponding to the time are changed to the time after moving and the program information, respectively. It will be. When scrolling or skipping is performed in the channel axis direction, the broadcasting station and channel displayed in each channel display frame 721 to 726 and the corresponding program information are the broadcasting station, channel and program after movement, respectively. It will be changed to information.

  Here, a characteristic display form of the electronic program guide displayed on the video display 14 when the user operates the program guide key 17h of the remote controller 17 will be described. That is, when the program guide key 17h of the remote controller 17 is operated, the program guide creation control unit 63e determines the provider identification number among the receivable broadcasting stations regardless of the currently selected channel or program. It functions to create and display an electronic program guide starting from the smallest broadcasting station and starting from the current date and time.

  Specifically, when the program guide key 17h of the remote controller 17 is operated, the program guide creation control unit 63e, in the order of the broadcasting stations A to F having the smallest provider identification number among the receivable broadcasting stations, The channel display frames 721 to 726 are sequentially assigned. As for the date and time, the current date and time, that is, October 28, is assigned the 6 am range to the top time frame 731 in the figure.

  As described above, when the user operates the program guide key 17h of the remote controller 17 to display the electronic program guide, the electronic program guide displayed on the video display 14 is currently selected. Regardless of the channel or program, the broadcast format having the smallest provider identification number among the receivable broadcast stations is set as a starting point, and the display form is set starting from the current date and time.

  In this case, the program guide creation control unit 63e recognizes the business operator identification number based on the data sent from the signal processing unit 48. The “operator identification number” in this case is the Japan Radio Industry Association [abbreviation ARIB (association of radio industries and businesses))] refers to “Regional Business Identification” described in Chapter 9 of TR (technical report) -B14 Chapter 7 defined as a standard for terrestrial digital broadcasting. By arranging broadcasting stations in an order based on such a standard, when a display is requested, the electronic program guide can always be displayed in the same display form as the display column of television programs such as newspapers and magazines. it can.

  In other words, the electronic program guide is always displayed in the same broadcasting station order when it is requested to display the electronic program guide regardless of which program is selected by the user. In this way, the electronic program guide is displayed in the same display format as the display column of television programs such as newspapers and magazines, so that the user scrolls and skips when searching for other channels and programs. The direction can be easily grasped, and the program can be easily displayed for the user.

  In this regard, the conventional electronic program guide is displayed in a form starting from the currently selected channel or program when the display is requested, so that the user can select other channels and programs. When searching, it is difficult to determine the direction of scrolling or skipping, and it is difficult for the user to understand.

  Here, for example, when the user operates the program guide key 17h of the remote controller 17 while selecting the program C1 of the broadcasting station C, the broadcasting station C is selected from the broadcaster identification numbers among the receivable broadcasting stations. Included in the electronic program guide displayed starting from the smallest broadcasting station. In such a case, the display area of the currently selected program C1 is indicated with a cursor as shown by hatching in FIG.

  FIG. 5 shows another example of the display form of the electronic program guide displayed on the video display 14 when the user operates the program guide key 17 h of the remote controller 17. For example, the six broadcasting stations A to F that are initially displayed starting from the broadcasting station with the smallest provider identification number when the user operates the program guide key 17h of the remote controller 17 are displayed. Is not included. That is, the program guide key 17h of the remote controller 17 is operated in the state where the program G1 of the broadcasting station G not included in the six broadcasting stations A to F selected in ascending order of the operator identification number is selected. If so, the broadcasting station G is not displayed in the first electronic program guide.

  In such a case, as shown in FIG. 5, the selected broadcasting station G is assigned to the leftmost channel display frame 721 of the electronic program guide, and the broadcast scheduled programs G1 to G5 are displayed. Can be. In this case, for the program G1 being selected, its display area is indicated by a cursor as shown by hatching in FIG. The other channel display frames 722 to 726 are sequentially assigned broadcasting stations A to E having a small operator identification number, and the broadcasting station F is not displayed in the first electronic program guide.

  In this way, when the user displays the electronic program guide, the user can recognize a future broadcast-scheduled program for the currently selected broadcast station G (channel number 081), and other broadcast stations. As for, the electronic program guide is always displayed in the same broadcasting station order, so that the program can be easily displayed for the user.

  FIG. 6 shows still another example of the display form of the electronic program guide displayed on the video display 14 when the user operates the program guide key 17 h of the remote controller 17. That is, when the user operates the program guide key 17h of the remote controller 17 to request display of the electronic program guide, the electronic program guide displayed on the video display 14 is identified as a provider among receivable broadcasting stations. When displayed in the display form starting from the broadcasting station with the smallest number, as shown by hatching in FIG. 6, the broadcasting station A with the smallest operator identification number is forcibly selected, and the program currently being broadcast A1 is designated by the cursor. In this case, the channel selection before the electronic program guide is displayed is invalid.

  In this way, even when the user is selecting which program, when the display of the electronic program guide is requested, the broadcast station A with the smallest operator identification number is selected and the program currently being broadcast By designating A1 with the cursor, the electronic program guide is always displayed in the same broadcasting station order, and the position of the cursor can be easily recognized. Thereby, when searching for another channel or program, the user can easily grasp the direction of scrolling or skipping, and can display a program that is easy for the user to understand.

  FIG. 7 shows still another example of the display form of the electronic program guide displayed on the video display 14 when the user operates the program guide key 17 h of the remote controller 17. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, six channel display frames 721 to 726 are arranged in the electronic program guide so that six broadcast stations can be displayed.

  On the other hand, when the number of receivable broadcasting stations is less than 6, for example, four, as shown in FIG. 7, four channel display frames 721 to 724 corresponding to the number of broadcasting stations have widths of electronic programs. The table has been expanded so that it can be allocated almost evenly throughout the horizontal area of the table. In this way, since the display area of program information for one broadcasting station is expanded, it is possible to increase the amount of information to be displayed, increase the character size, etc., and display programs that are easy for the user to understand. Can do.

  FIG. 8 shows a flowchart summarizing the processing operations for creating the electronic program guide in various display modes described above. That is, when the process is started (step S1), the program guide creation control unit 63e sets the display form of the electronic program guide to start from the channel currently selected as usual in step S2. Or whether the broadcast station having the smallest provider identification number is set as the starting point.

  That is, in this digital television broadcast receiving apparatus 11, an electronic program guide having a display form (current channel priority) starting from the currently selected channel is displayed, or the broadcasting station with the smallest provider identification number is started. The user can selectively set whether to display the electronic program guide in the display form (priority in the order of business operators).

  This setting is achieved by the user operating the menu key 17p of the remote controller 17 to enter the menu screen having a hierarchical structure, thereby reaching a display form selection screen as shown in FIG. This is made possible by selecting either the “current channel priority” or the “business order priority” item with the cursor key 17f and determining with the decision key 17g.

  When the “Current channel priority” item is selected and set, the electronic program guide in the display format starting from the currently selected channel is set to be displayed, and the “Operator order priority” item is selected and determined. In such a case, it is set to display an electronic program guide in a display form starting from the broadcasting station with the smallest provider identification number.

  If it is determined in step S2 that the current channel priority is set (YES), the program guide creation control unit 63e has a display form starting from the currently selected channel in step S3. An electronic program guide is created and displayed, and the process is terminated (step S11).

  If it is determined in step S2 that the operator order is set to be prioritized (NO), in step S4, the program guide creation control unit 63e displays a receivable broadcasting station in one screen of the electronic program guide. It is determined whether or not all can be displayed, that is, whether or not the number of receivable broadcasting stations is equal to or less than the number (6) of the channel display frames 721 to 726.

  When it is determined that all receivable broadcast stations can be displayed within one screen of the electronic program guide (YES), the program guide creation control unit 63e determines in step S5 that the number of receivable broadcast stations is the number of receivable broadcast stations. Determine whether or not the number of broadcast stations that can be displayed on one screen of the electronic program guide is smaller, that is, whether or not the number of receivable broadcast stations is less than the number (6) of channel display frames 721 to 726 To do.

  If it is determined that the number of receivable broadcast stations is smaller than the number of broadcast stations that can be displayed on one screen of the electronic program guide (YES), the program guide creation control unit 63e broadcasts in step S6. As shown in FIG. 7, the number of channel display frames corresponding to the number of stations is changed so that the width thereof is allocated almost uniformly over the entire horizontal direction of the electronic program guide.

  If it is determined in step S4 that all the receivable broadcasting stations cannot be displayed within one screen of the electronic program guide (NO), the program guide creation control unit 63e is first displayed in step S7. It is determined whether or not the currently selected broadcasting station is accommodated in the electronic program guide, and if it is determined that it is not accommodated (NO), in the electronic program guide that is displayed first in step S8. The currently selected broadcasting station that is not accommodated is set to be accommodated in the electronic program guide that is displayed first, as shown in FIG.

  The number of broadcast stations that can be received after step S6 or S8 or in step S5 is not less than the number of broadcast stations that can be displayed on one screen of the electronic program guide, that is, the broadcast stations that can be received. Is determined to be the same as the number (6) of the channel display frames 721 to 726 (NO), or the currently selected broadcasting station is accommodated in the electronic program guide initially displayed in step S7. If it is determined (YES), the program guide creation control unit 63e sets the position of the cursor indicating the program in the electronic program guide displayed first in step S9, and in step S10, the business guide An electronic program guide having a display form starting from the broadcasting station with the smallest person identification number is displayed, and the process is terminated (step S11).

  Here, in the above-described embodiment, when display of the electronic program guide is requested, the electronic program guide is described in order from the broadcasting station with the smallest operator identification number. Of course, not only the person identification number but also, for example, a standardized business order may be adopted.

  The pre-standardized company order here is defined when, for example, when a program guide is described in a newspaper, magazine, etc., there is a program order prescribed in each country or region. It refers to the order of business operators according to the order. In this case, the program guide creation control unit 63e functions to create and display an electronic program guide in the order normalized in advance based on information supplied from the signal processing unit 48 or the like. Therefore, by describing broadcast stations in this order, it is possible to obtain an electronic program guide having a display form similar to that of a program guide described in newspapers or magazines.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by variously modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above-described embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements according to different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Digital television broadcast receiver, 12 ... Cabinet, 13 ... Support stand, 14 ... Video display, 15 ... Speaker, 16 ... Operation part, 17 ... Remote controller, 18 ... Light receiving part, 19 ... 1st memory card 20 ... second memory card, 21 ... first LAN terminal, 22 ... second LAN terminal, 23 ... USB terminal, 24 ... IEEE1394 terminal, 25 ... HDD, 26 ... hub, 27 ... HDD, 28 ... PC 29 ... DVD recorder, 30 ... analog transmission path, 31 ... broadband router, 32 ... network, 33 ... PC, 34 ... mobile phone, 35 ... hub, 36 ... mobile phone, 37 ... digital camera, 38 ... card reader / writer , 39 ... HDD, 40 ... keyboard, 41 ... AV-HDD, 42 ... D-VHS, 43 ... antenna, 44 ... input terminal, 45 Tuner, 46 ... PSK demodulator, 47 ... TS decoder, 48 ... signal processor, 49 ... antenna, 50 ... input terminal, 51 ... tuner, 52 ... OFDM demodulator, 53 ... TS decoder, 54 ... tuner, 55 ... Analog demodulator, 56 ... Graphic processing unit, 57 ... Audio processing unit, 58a to 58d ... Input terminal, 59 ... OSD signal generation unit, 60 ... Video processing unit, 61 ... Output terminal, 62 ... Output terminal, 63 ... Control Part, 63a ... CPU, 63b ... ROM, 63c ... RAM, 63d ... nonvolatile memory, 63e ... program guide creation control part, 64 ... card I / F, 65 ... card holder, 66 ... card I / F, 67 ... card Holder 68 ... Communication I / F, 69 ... Communication I / F, 70 ... USB I / F, 71 ... IEEE1394 I / F, 721 to 726 ... Channel display frame, 731 to 735 ... time frame.

Claims (10)

An acquisition means for acquiring program information including a provider identification number from a broadcast signal;
Based on the program information acquired by the acquisition means, a channel axis in which a plurality of broadcasting stations are arranged in one direction, and a time axis arranged in a direction orthogonal to the channel axis, the channel axis and the time axis Creating means for creating an electronic program guide in which the area indicated by
A program guide key for requesting the electronic program guide to be displayed while the currently selected channel or program is being displayed, a page switching key for skipping the displayed electronic program guide in units of one screen, and the displayed electronic A first key for switching the program guide to display of a portion corresponding to a predetermined date and time, and a second key for returning the electronic program guide on which the portion corresponding to the predetermined date and time is displayed to the display of the portion corresponding to the current date and time A remote controller including a key,
When the request to display the electronic program guide is made by operating the program guide key, the creating means selects a plurality of broadcasting stations arranged along the channel axis, or the currently selected channel or Regardless of the program, in the order based on the carrier identification number included in the program information, the broadcasting station having the smallest carrier identification number among the receivable broadcasting stations is arranged as a starting point, and the first and first A program guide display device for creating an electronic program guide for displaying a function realized when a key of No. 2 is operated.   The creating means, when a program currently selected is present in the electronic program table that is initially displayed when the display is requested, causes the program to be displayed with a cursor. The program guide display device according to claim 1.   The creation means is characterized in that a display corresponding to a preset position among the programs displayed in the electronic program table that is displayed first when the display is requested is displayed by a cursor. The program guide display device according to claim 1.   2. The program guide display device according to claim 1, wherein the business operator identification number is a local business identification.   Whether the creation means displays an electronic program guide starting from the broadcasting station with the smallest provider identification number or an electronic program guide starting from the broadcasting station of the currently selected channel. The program guide display device according to claim 1, wherein the program guide display device can be selectively set.   2. The program guide display device according to claim 1, wherein the creating means displays a program currently broadcasted by a broadcasting station having the smallest provider identification number with a cursor.   The creation means is a case where all the receivable broadcasting stations cannot be displayed within one screen of the electronic program guide, and the broadcast currently selected in the electronic program guide that is displayed first when the display is requested. 2. The program guide display device according to claim 1, wherein when a station is included, an electronic program guide starting from the broadcasting station with the smallest provider identification number is displayed.   The creation means is a case where all the receivable broadcasting stations cannot be displayed within one screen of the electronic program guide, and the broadcast currently selected in the electronic program guide that is displayed first when the display is requested. 2. The program guide display device according to claim 1, wherein when a station is not included, the electronic program guide that is first displayed when the display is requested is displayed including the currently selected broadcasting station. Receiving means for receiving a broadcast signal;
A signal processing means for generating a video signal by extracting a signal of a desired channel from the broadcast signal received by the receiving means and performing a predetermined signal processing;
Output means for outputting the video signal obtained by the signal processing means;
Obtaining means for obtaining program information including a provider identification number from the broadcast signal;
Based on the program information acquired by the acquisition means, a channel axis in which a plurality of broadcasting stations are arranged in one direction, and a time axis arranged in a direction orthogonal to the channel axis, the channel axis and the time axis Creating means for creating an electronic program guide in which the area indicated by
A program guide key for requesting the electronic program guide to be displayed while the currently selected channel or program is being displayed, a page switching key for skipping the displayed electronic program guide in units of one screen, and the displayed electronic A first key for switching the program guide to display of a portion corresponding to a predetermined date and time, and a second key for returning the electronic program guide on which the portion corresponding to the predetermined date and time is displayed to the display of the portion corresponding to the current date and time A remote controller including a key,
When the request to display the electronic program guide is made by operating the program guide key, the creating means selects a plurality of broadcasting stations arranged along the channel axis, or the currently selected channel or Regardless of the program, in the order based on the carrier identification number included in the program information, the broadcasting station having the smallest carrier identification number among the receivable broadcasting stations is arranged as a starting point, and the first and first A broadcast receiving apparatus that creates an electronic program guide that displays a function realized when a key of No. 2 is operated. An acquisition step of acquiring program information including a provider identification number from a broadcast signal;
Based on the program information acquired in the acquisition step, a channel axis in which a plurality of broadcasting stations are arranged in one direction, and a time axis arranged in a direction orthogonal to the channel axis, the channel axis and the time axis And a creation step of creating an electronic program guide having the area indicated by and the corresponding program information display area,
Displaying the electronic program guide during display of the currently selected channel or program by operating the program guide key of the remote controller;
A step of skipping the displayed electronic program guide in units of one screen by operating a page switching key of the remote controller;
Switching the displayed electronic program guide to a portion corresponding to a predetermined date and time by operating the first key of the remote controller;
Operating the second key of the remote controller to return the electronic program guide on which the portion corresponding to the predetermined date and time is displayed to the display of the portion corresponding to the current date and time,
When a request for displaying the electronic program guide is made by the program guide key, in the creating step, a plurality of broadcasting stations arranged along the channel axis are irrelevant to a currently selected channel or program. In addition, the broadcast station having the smallest broadcaster identification number among the receivable broadcast stations is arranged in the order based on the broadcaster identification number included in the program information, and the first and second keys A program guide display method for creating an electronic program guide for displaying a function realized when an operation is performed.

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